Abstract 5/6/2025

Table of content

Iwona Zwierzyk-Klimek – History of the Fast Agglomeration Railway and Małopolska Railways systems, along with their current operations and plans for the future 

Aleksandra Ciastoń-Ciulkin – Characteristics of Koleje Małopolskie (Małopolska Railways) passengers and their preferences  

Artur Kozera, Aneta Klepacz, Gabriela Frydrych, Julia Jaśkiewicz – Evaluation of the quality of transport services provided by Koleje Małoposkie (Małopolska Railways)  on SKA1 line 

Artur Łukasiewicz, Marcin Ryba, Żaneta Mordarska – Operational assessment of Kraków commuter railway: SKA2 line Oświęcim – Sędziszów

Aleksandra Ciastoń-Ciulkin, Jakub Florczykiewicz, Kaja Kaput, Zuzanna Gołojuch, Mikołaj Giezgała, Michał Bieniek – Analysis of the functioning of the SKA3 commuter rail in the małopolska province

 

Abstracts

Iwona Zwierzyk-Klimek

History of the Fast Agglomeration Railway and Małopolska Railways systems, along with their current operations and plans for the future

Abstract: The article presents the history of the development of the Fast Agglomeration Railway (SKA) system in Małopolska, starting with entries in planning documents, through its launch and development, to obtaining the status of the main transport system in the Małopolska voivodeship. It shows the importance of rail transport, especially agglomeration transport, which plays an increasingly important role in the daily journeys of residents of cities and their surroundings. The development of the Fast Agglomeration Railway in Małopolska is an example of a consistently implemented transport strategy, the effects of which are visible both in the daily lives of residents and in the positive impact on the natural environment. SKA has become one of the pillars of public transport in the region – the number of passengers is growing steadily, the transport offer is increasing, and new infrastructure investments are improving the comfort and safety of travel. Tariff integration, transfer hubs and the development of Park & Ride car parks show that the project is not limited to railways, but is building a coherent, multimodal transport system. 

Key words: rail transport, commuter rail, fast agglomeration railway (SKA), fare integration

 

Aleksandra Ciastoń-Ciulkin

Characteristics of Koleje Małopolskie (Małopolska Railways) passengers and their preferences

Abstract: The article presents the characteristics of passengers using the transport services of the local government railway operator, the stock company Koleje Małopolskie. For 10 years, the carrier has been providing transport services in the Małopolska voivodeship, largely operating rail connections within the Agglomeration Railway System covering three routes (SKA1, SKA2 and SKA3), connecting Kraków – the voivodeship capital – with neighbouring urban centres. Since the carrier entered the regional passenger transport market, the number of passengers served has been increasing every year, and the Agglomeration Railway System in the Małopolska voivodeship is playing an increasingly important role in the transport service of the area. Who uses the services of Koleje Małopolskie most often, what transport needs do they fulfil and how often, how do they reach passenger service points, why do they choose the train and how do they rate the services provided by the carrier? These are just some of the questions that this article attempts to answer, based on a survey conducted among passengers. Knowledge about users of regional rail connections is important in the context of decisions on the direction of the system’s development.

Key words: rapid agglomeration railway, rail transport, transport behaviour

Artur Kozera, Aneta Klepacz, Gabriela Frydrych, Julia Jaśkiewicz

Evaluation of the quality of transport services provided by Koleje Małoposkie on SKA1 line

Abstract: The aim of this article is to analyse the functioning of the SKA 1 line – a key route of the Fast Commuter Rail (SKA), connecting Kraków-Balice International Airport with the city centre and Wieliczka. The study addresses the need to evaluate the effectiveness of this rail connection in view of increasing demand for sustainable public transport and the growing transportation needs of residents due to demographic and spatial changes. The analysis includes spatial and infrastructure characteristics, identification of passenger flow generators, assessment of the transport offer, and evaluation of service quality from the user’s perspective. The competitiveness of SKA 1 compared to other modes of transport, especially regarding travel time and cost, is also considered. The research used diagnostic survey methods to gather passenger opinions, expectations, and needs, alongside quantitative analyses such as pedestrian accessibility and flow intensity studies.

Key words: public transportation, sustainable transport, travel accessibility, urban mobility

 

Artur Łukasiewicz, Marcin Ryba, Żaneta Mordarska

Operational assessment of Kraków commuter railway: SKA2 line Oświęcim – Sędziszów

Abstract: Commuter trains are an integral part of a city’s transit system, enabling comfortable journeys to the city center, even from remote towns and villages. In Kraków, Fast Commuter Rail (Szybka Kolej Aglomeracyjna – SKA) offers train connections from Sędziszów to Oświęcim (through Kraków) with the SKA2 line. An analysis of its operation based on passenger feedback reveals problems related to infrastructure and service frequency, suggesting a need to improve the line’s operating conditions. Although the line was launched in 2015 and has undergone numerous modernisations, many railway stops still suffer from poor ‘legal’ pedestrian accessibility and outdated infrastructure, which negatively affects passenger comfort. Trains on the northern part of the line, between Sędziszów and Kraków, are not coordinated with the timetables of other carriers on the route, resulting in trains being grouped together and long waiting times for subsequent services. A survey shows that passengers complain most about overcrowding on trains during rush hour. Despite these problems, both the carrier and the transport organiser are taking steps to improve the quality of passenger service. It is suggested to work with the infrastructure owner to upgrade outdated infrastructure, improve legal ways of getting into stations, coordinate timetables with other carriers in the northern part of the line and to either increase the capacity of trains during rush hours or to increase the train frequency.

Key words: public transport, commuter rail, transport survey

 

Aleksandra Ciastoń-Ciulkin, Jakub Florczykiewicz, Kaja Kaput, Zuzanna Gołojuch, Mikołaj Giezgała, Michał Bieniek 

Analysis of the functioning of the SKA3 commuter rail in the małopolska province

Abstract: The article presents an in-depth analysis of the functioning of the Fast Agglomeration Railway Line 3 (SKA3), a key component of the dynamically developing agglomeration railway system in the Małopolska Province. The SKA3 line connects the provincial capital in the west with urban centres such as Trzebinia, Oświęcim and Tarnów in the east of the region. The analysis identifies both the strengths that contribute to the growing popularity of rail transport in the region and areas that require optimisation in order to increase efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The railway infrastructure is described in detail, including upgrades to tracks, stations and traffic control systems that have a direct impact on line capacity and safety. Data on the modern rolling stock used on the SKA3 line is also presented, with an emphasis on its impact on travel comfort and environmental aspects. A key element of the analysis is the assessment of the timetable in terms of frequency and punctuality of connections, which is fundamental to the reliability of public transport. In addition, the article presents the results of research on train occupancy, travel comfort and the integration of the SKA3 line with other means of public transport, such as buses and trams, as well as with Park & Ride systems. The potential for developing the line was highlighted in the context of the growing transport needs of the Kraków agglomeration and the prospects for expanding the entire Małopolska Railway network, while identifying the main operational and management challenges facing the carrier. The overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the functioning of the SKA3 line, which will serve as a basis for further optimisation measures and strategic planning for the development of regional rail transport.

Key words: rail transport, commuter rail, agglomeration railway, transport accessibility, quality of transport services